Assessment and relevance of neuropsychology in the school-aged child

Pediatric neuropsychology provides a clinical and educational framework to understand the relationship between brain development and the cognitive, behavioral, and academic performance of school-aged children. During this period, consolidation of executive functions, attention, memory, language, and visuospatial skills directly influences learning, socioemotional adaptation, and responses to increasing school demands. This narrative review synthesizes contemporary evidence on key constructs, assessment approaches, and the usefulness of neuropsychological findings for differential diagnosis (e.g., ADHD, specific learning difficulties) and for planning individualized interventions in coordination with the school and family. Frequently used instruments, ecological validity considerations, cultural adaptation, and ethical aspects are discussed. Overall, neuropsychological assessment in school age is relevant for identifying cognitive strengths and weaknesses, guiding pedagogical and therapeutic supports, and monitoring trajectories in medical or neurodevelopmental conditions.